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candied or crystallized lilacs

phoenixmaine75 avatar
Recipe by
Melanie Ross
@phoenixmaine75
Rumford, ME

Candied flowers make beautiful decorations for desserts and can last up to one year. This job takes a little patience. It seems to go more quickly if you do it with a friend. The following recipe will coat quite a few flowers, but if you need more, mix up a second batch.

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prep time 1 Hr
cook time 1 Hr
method No-Cook or Other

Ingredients For candied or crystallized lilacs

  • NOTES: SUGGESTED FLOWERS INCLUDE APPLE OR PLUM BLOSSOMS, BORAGE FLOWERS, LILAC FLORETS, ROSE PETALS, SCENTED GERANIUMS, VIOLAS, VIOLETS, JOHNNY-JUMP-UPS, AND PANSY PETALS.
  • rinsed and dried edible flower blossoms, separated from the stem (see notes)
  • extra-large egg white, at room temperature
  • 1 c
    superfine sugar
  • a small paint brush
  • a baking rack covered with waxed paper

How To Make candied or crystallized lilacs

  • 1
    In a small bowl, combine the egg white with the water and beat lightly with a fork or small whisk until the white just shows a few bubbles. Place the sugar in a shallow dish.
  • 2
    Holding a flower or petal in one hand, dip a paint brush into the egg white with the other and gently paint the flower. Cover the flower or petal completely but not excessively. Holding the flower or petal over the sugar dish, gently sprinkle sugar evenly all over on both sides. Place the flower or petal on the waxed paper to dry. Continue with the rest of the flowers.
  • 3
    Let the flowers dry completely; they should be free of moisture. This could take 12 to 36 hours, depending on atmospheric humidity. To hasten drying, you may place the candied flowers in an oven with a pilot light overnight, or in an oven set at 150 degrees to 200 degrees F with the door ajar for a few hours.
  • 4
    Store the dried, candied flowers in airtight containers until ready to use. They will keep for as long as a year.
  • Last Step: Don't forget to share! Make all your friends drool by posting a picture of your finished recipe on your favorite social network. And don't forget to tag Just A Pinch and include #justapinchrecipes so we can see it too!
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